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Rangers face a vast array of competitors in the quest to bring striker target Ross Stewart to Ibrox, according to Rangers Review. 

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported on Monday that Giovanni van Bronckhorst had identified Stewart as his ‘number one’ replacement in the event that Alfredo Morelos leaves Ibrox.

The £450,000-rated Stewart was instrumental in Sunderland’s return to the Championship, scoring the winner in the playoff semifinal first leg against Sheffield Wednesday and netting against Wycombe Wanderers in the Wembley final.

But it’s possible that much of the interest stems from his contract situation, with the 25-year-old now approaching the final year of his deal at The Stadium of Light.

The latest

Journalist Jonny McFarlane shared ‘the latest on Ross Stewart’ in a report for Rangers Review on Monday.

He writes that as many as ten English clubs are battling with Rangers for his signature.

Sunderland have yet to receive a concrete offer, but there are plenty of sides in the Championship eyeing up the striker.

The verdict

Stewart, formerly of Ross County, St Mirren and Alloa Athletic, was prolific in 21/22, bagging 26 goals in 53 appearances.

It was inevitable that this kind of form would catch the eye of a number of clubs.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, who will be under no illusions about Stewart’s ability, has dubbed him an ‘excellent prospect’.

Rangers may have a crucial edge in the race, with van Bronckhorst’s side set for a place in the Champions League group stage if they can come through their qualifies.

That could make them a far more attractive proposition than clubs in the Championship.

In other news, this Rangers gem could be about to work under a Celtic legend.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Weston McKennie.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A on football.london, the journalist revealed that, following a number of recent reports linking Tottenham with a move for the Juventus central midfielder, Fabio Paratici has already held talks with the 23-year-old’s representatives regarding a move to north London this summer.

The Spurs correspondent went on to state that, if the USA international is available in the summer market, he would expect Tottenham to test the water with the Serie A side concerning a deal for the midfielder, as McKennie ticks a lot of the boxes Antonio Conte is looking for in the middle of the park.

In response to a question asking whether Spurs are keen on the former FC Schalke 04 starlet, Gold said: “I know Paratici spoke to McKennie’s representatives about a future move in January. If the USA international is available this summer then I would expect Spurs to test the water as he would tick a lot of boxes for the squad.”

Supporters will love Gold’s claim

With the signing of a new central midfielder reported to be one of Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a move for McKennie ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign.

As Gold states, the £43m-rated man would appear to tick a lot of the boxes required for Spurs, with the 23-year-old very much appearing to be the attack-minded, versatile and dynamic midfielder the 52-year-old Italian is looking to bring into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

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Indeed, FBref data illiterates just how forward-thinking the £37k-per-week American is, with McKennie ranking in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 5% for npxG, the top 14% for shots, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 2% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

FBref statistics also highlight the 32-time capped international’s impressive work rate in a defensive capacity, with the tireless talent ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders for clearances per 90, in addition to the top 4% for interceptions, the top 8% for aerial duels won, the top 10% for blocks, the top 16% for tackles and the top 40% for pressures over the last 12 months.

As such, it would indeed seem as if McKennie boasts something of a perfect profile for the box to box midfielder Conte is hoping to add to his Tottenham ranks in the coming months, and, with the 23-year-old reportedly available for as little as €20m (£17m) this summer, it is no surprise that Paratici is also keen on a move for the Juventus centrocampista.

AND in other news: Bid made: Paratici now in talks over “stunning” Spurs deal, he’d be “unreal” for Conte

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham Hotspur to sign Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, believing he would be the ‘perfect’ replacement for Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Spurs interested in Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Magpies in an initial £16.5m move from Nice three years ago, where he’s gone on to become a fan favourite at St. James’ Park having made 93 appearances for the northeast outfit to date.

According to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel, the Lilywhites are interested in securing the 25-year-old’s signature during the upcoming transfer window. However, it won’t be an easy task to prise him away from Eddie Howe’s side given the fact that he’s still got four years remaining on his contract.

The Latest: Robinson’s ‘perfect’ replacement claim

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, Robinson suggested that Saint-Maximin would be a ‘great’ addition for Spurs, but doesn’t think that he would entertain making the move to north London. He told correspondent Dylan Childs:

“Saint-Maximin is the type of player Spurs should sign if they lose Bergwijn. He’d be perfect.

“Listen, they have got [Lucas] Moura, [Dejan] Kulusevski and Son [Heung-min] to play out wide but I’d still expect another to come in.

“Somebody like Saint-Maximin would be great. I cannot see Saint-Maximin leaving Newcastle though, in all honesty.

“That club is going in the right direction. They are going to bring in players and they can offer players what they want in terms of contracts.

“I find it difficult to believe that he would swap a starting role at Newcastle for a bit-part role at Spurs. Saint-Maximin would not start at Spurs. I’m not sure that role would be appealing to him as much as I’d like to see it.”

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The Verdict: Remain at Newcastle

Saint-Maximin has had a hugely positive impact on Newcastle’s starting XI this season, scoring five goals and registering five assists in the top-flight, as per Transfermarkt, and he surely wouldn’t consider leaving the Toon Army unless he was guaranteed regular playing elsewhere.

Once hailed as a “breathtaking” player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, he has proven to be a real handful for opposition defenders in the final third this campaign, averaging 4.3 dribbles and 1.8 shots per league game, via WhoScored.

That being said, already with the likes of Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski in the building, Saint-Maximin would still probably be below them in the Italian’s pecking order, so Conte should perhaps shop for a younger player who will be happy to play a bit-part role as they develop from the ground up.

In other news… a Spurs insider has dropped an ‘exciting’ Harry Kane contract claim.

A big Rangers claim has emerged on Ibrox loanee Aaron Ramsey and his future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has hinted that the midfielder will not be returning to Rangers for the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking about the Ibrox loanee, he told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Aaron Ramsey looked like he enjoyed his time at Rangers.

“But a deal would have to be subsidised because of his wages at Juventus if Rangers were to bring him back. As it stands right now, it looks like he might have played his last game for the club.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be gutted

The Ibrox boss will be gutted by this claim as it suggests that Ramsey will not be in his squad next season due to financial constraints.

Whilst the midfielder’s time at the club will be marred by his penalty miss in the Europa League final, he showed glimpses of quality throughout the second half of the campaign.

In the Premiership, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.93 in seven appearances. He found the back of the net twice, including one against Celtic, and set up another as he created seven chances for his teammates.

The gem also registered one assist in three games in the SFA Cup as he helped the club to win the competition. His statistics, albeit limited, show that he has the quality to pop up with goal contributions from midfield, which is in line with what he has done throughout his career.

He produced 130 goals and assists combined during his time with Arsenal – playing 371 matches – and 12 in 70 games for Juventus. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic career and has proven that he can make a big impact in the final third.

Therefore, with a full pre-season under his belt and more time to adjust to playing with his teammates, Ramsey could have been a huge player for the Gers. The quality – as shown by his statistics – is there and that is why van Bronckhorst will be gutted that he will be unable to work with him again next season.

O’Rourke has not completely ruled out a deal, as the situation may change, but it appears unlikely at this moment in time that he will be pulling on a light blue shirt again.

Hopefully, he can get his career back on track elsewhere if he does not return to Rangers.

AND in other news, GvB can find Kemar Roofe 2.0 in Rangers swoop for “clinical” gem who “rarely misses”…

West Bromwich Albion ended the 2021/22 Championship season with just 52 goals scored in 46 games.

To put that into perspective, 16 other clubs in the second tier found the net with greater regularity, even though West Brom finished 10th.

That said, the Baggies were no doubt hoping to have added an extra attacking spark to their side for the second half of the season when they signed Daryl Dike.

After scoring 19 goals in 41 appearances for Orlando City, the American made a move to The Hawthorns in January in a deal worth a reported fee of over £7m. Having made just two appearances for the Midlands club, the 21-year-old was unfortunately struck down with a hamstring injury which ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Now that Dike can look forward to the 2022/23 campaign to really get his Baggies career going, one other young attacker who Bruce could unleash to make his Albion side a much deadlier force to be reckoned with is Rayhaan Tulloch.

Bruce must unleash Tulloch

A product of West Brom’s youth academy, the 21-year-old has made 98 appearances for the Midlands club across their under-18 and under-23 sides, in which he has scored 41 goals and supplied 16 assists, showing just how deadly he can be in front of goal.

Speaking about the teenager in 2020, former England underage coach Steve Cooper waxed lyrical about the Baggies prodigy, saying: “He’s quick and the type of player that’s broken through a lot recently — like Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

“I’m not saying he’s at that level but he’s that type of player that could quickly change a game through an explosive movement, a quick dribble or a run in behind and that can have quite an impact on a game.”

Taking all this into account, Tulloch definitely seems to have the talent in him to give Bruce’s side an extra attacking edge and potentially form a deadly duo with Dike if he becomes a regular figure in the team next season.

While the 61-year-old has suggested that a significant transfer overhaul could take place at The Hawthorns this summer, unleashing Tulloch as a regular first-team squad option could potentially save the club millions, especially if he ends up making the most out of any opportunities that he gets in Bruce’s line-up.

In other news: Joe Masi drops behind-the-scenes transfer update, it’s great news for WBA supporters

Leeds United are closing in on signing RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Final day survival

Jesse Marsch, who has previously worked with the 21-year-old in Austria, guided the Whites to survival on the final day after a dramatic 2-1 win at Brentford. Goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison were enough in west London as Burnley fell to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

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Andrea Radrizzani has now promised to improve the squad ahead of Marsch’s first full campaign at Elland Road, and a move for long-term target Aaronson appears to be edging closer.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter in the early hours of Monday morning, revealing that the Whites are closing in on a deal worth £28m for the 21-year-old.

The transfer expert said that a full agreement has been reached with personal terms already agreed, and final paperworks are now to be prepared over a move to Elland Road.

The Verdict: Exciting

Leeds’ last permanent midfield addition was Adam Forshaw back in 2018, so a new marquee midfielder is long overdue.

Victor Orta has also been in talks with Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay in recent weeks, so it looks as if the club are looking to get their business done as early as possible.

Aaronson, who has been labelled a player with a ‘monster mentality’, contributed to 12 goals in 25 games under Marsch at Salzburg, so hopefully he can have the same sort of immediate impact in Yorkshire as Leeds look to improve on what was a disappointing 2021/22 campaign.

In other news: Leeds have also made contact over ‘outstanding’ forward; Orta not messing around

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in England international Dean Henderson heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that PIF are plotting a move for the shot-stopper, reportedly valued at £40m, ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, although it remains to be seen how a deal will be structured.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle are still interested in Dean Henderson. English goalkeeper could leave Man United this summer as he’s looking for regular game time. Loan or permanent move to be discussed, not clear yet – it depends on Newcastle’s budget.”

This is an update on his previous Henderson claim: “Newcastle are interested in Dean Henderson since last January, he’s always been one of three goalkeepers in the list for NUFC. Man United will make a decision about Dean in the summer whether let him go on loan or not. He wants to play as starter next season.”

Eddie Howe needs him

The Magpies boss will be delighted to learn that the club are set to discuss a deal for Henderson as he needs him at St. James’ Park.

Martin Dubravka turns 34 next season and the Toon need to start thinking about life after the Slovakian international, which is why the Manchester United stopper would be an important addition to the squad. He can come in to initially challenge and then take over from the 33-year-old next term.

The current Newcastle number one has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.88 and made two errors directly leading to shots in the Premier League. This shows that he has been a reliable performer between the middle of the sticks as his displays have not been littered with mistakes.

Although, he did make a whopping ten errors leading to shots or goals between the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons before an injury-hit 2020/21.

Henderson, meanwhile, has averaged scores of 6.94 and 7.00 across his last two campaigns in the top-flight for Manchester United and Sheffield United respectively, making three errors in that time.

The Englishman is also eight years younger than Dubravka and this means that he can be the long-term number one for Howe on Tyneside. His statistics suggest that he may be a slight upgrade on the Slovakian but with the potential to improve further at his young age for a goalkeeper.

That is why the ex-Bournemouth head coach needs him at Newcastle and PIF must ensure that they can get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, Howe can get SJP rocking with NUFC swoop for £21m predator with the “scoring nose”…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly contemplating a move to poach Raheem Sterling from former club Manchester City this summer.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph, the Gunners are ‘ready to explore’ a deal for the 27-year-old at the end of the season, with the Englishman potentially set to be available to depart the Etihad as he enters the final year of his existing deal.

The report suggests that Arteta – who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at City – wants to make the 74-cap international the ‘focal point’ of his attack, with forward additions seemingly required with Alexandre Lacazette nearing the end of his current deal and with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having departed for Barcelona in January.

Sterling – who had been linked with an exit last summer – could well be joined in north London by current teammate Gabriel Jesus, following recent reports that the Brazilian is another player on the radar of the Emirates outfit.

Better than Saka

The addition of the £76.5m-rated man in the upcoming window would prove a major coup for the top-four hopefuls, with the pacy wide man having emerged as one of the top-flight’s leading figures in recent years.

After dazzling as a teenager at Liverpool, Sterling made the controversial £49m switch to Manchester in 2015 in pursuit of silverware, with that move more than paying off as he has since claimed three league titles, five League Cup’s and an FA Cup – with an additional Premier League crown potentially on the way this season.

Under the tutelage of Guardiola, the £300k-per-week gem has developed into a prolific presence in front of goal, having scored 130 times and provided 93 assists in 337 games for the club in all competitions.

Dubbed a “fighter” by Gareth Southgate, the diminutive speedster has also shaken off early criticism at international level to become one of Southgate’s trusted lieutenants, the Jamaica-born ace starring in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2020 final last year, netting three times en route to the showpiece.

It has proven a difficult campaign at club level since then, as he has drifted in and out of the starting XI, although he has still managed to provide 12 goals and four assists in just 22 league starts.

Despite starting 11 more top-flight games than his compatriot, current Arsenal man Bukayo Saka has still scored fewer goals (11 in total) than the more senior man, while he only averages a goal every 248 minutes this season, compared to a goal every 167 minutes for Sterling.

The latter – who Guardiola insisted “always creates something” – also averages 1.8 successful dribbles per game, compared to 1.1 for Saka, while he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with his international colleague only in the top 31% for the same metric.

Equally, the City star offers perhaps greater consistency at the elite level, having been a regular fixture in the top-flight since making his Reds debut as a 17-year-old a decade ago, with it some feat to have maintained his quality for so long.

Saka has dazzled in recent times, although he still has a way to go to reach the heights of the potential target.

IN other news, Forget Saliba: Arsenal must finally unleash their “exciting” rarely-seen Hale End gem

Glasgow Rangers reportedly now face a ‘big fight’ to keep Ryan Kent this summer.

The Lowdown: Europa League hero

Kent was just one of many Europa League heroes for the Teddy Bears as they overcame RB Leipzig 3-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night to book themselves in the final against Frankfurt.

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The winger grabbed the assist for the opening goal of the game by James Tavernier, and also recorded a team-high two key passes, while he won three of his duels, made two tackles and one interception (SofaScore).

The Latest: ‘Big fight’

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team now face a ‘big fight’ to keep hold of Kent in the summer, as he is ‘attracting interest’ from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

Expanding in his latest piece for 90min, Bailey added that the Light Blues have accepted that they will not be able to match teams in the top flight in terms of contract offers, given that he only has a year left on his current deal.

Bailey’s sources have confirmed that the uncertainty over his contract is now attracting interest, with Leeds United, Everton, Wolves and Fulham named as possible destinations.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying for the supporters to hear of uncertainty over Kent’s long-term future, as they will no doubt find it difficult to pull him away from the attraction of the Premier League.

He has been one of their best performers in both the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership, and at 25 years of age, has not yet reached his full potential.

Nonetheless, if the Gers do decide to sell him, then they need to make sure that they get a sizeable fee in order to help find a suitable replacement.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute legend’ Andrew Dickson hailed against Leipzig here!

West Ham United arguably face one of the most important games in the club’s history on Thursday evening, as David Moyes’ side take on Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in a pivotal, Europa League semi-final showdown.

The Hammers head into that second leg in Germany trailing their opponents on aggregate, having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat on home soil last week, ensuring they have plenty to do to reach the dangling carrot that is the showpiece.

The east Londoners return to action having suffered another 2-1 loss at the hands of Mikel Arteta’s, top-four chasing Arsenal side on Sunday, albeit with that clash having seen Moyes shuffle his pack in preparation for this upcoming crunch meeting.

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One man who was dropped to the bench at the London Stadium at the weekend was Tomas Soucek, although following that well-earned rest, the Czech international should surely be thrust back into the action by his manager.

Although club captain Mark Noble far from discredited himself in midfield on what was a rare league start – the 34-year-old recording an impressive 7.1 match rating according to SofaScore – the Englishman seemingly lacks the unique attributes that make his towering teammate such a force of nature in the centre of the park.

Dubbed “like the terminator” by pundit Jamie Redknapp for his brutal and committed approach, the 6 foot 4 giant is a commanding presence alongside talisman Declan Rice, with the duo having formed a simply telepathic relationship since the 27-year-old’s arrival back in January 2020.

Initially plucked on a loan deal – before being snapped permanently for £15m – the £47k-per-week brute has been a vital part of the club’s rise in recent seasons, proving his worth in both boxes with his aerial presence and never-say-die attitude.

Having bagged ten Premier League goals in his first full campaign in English football last term, the £40.5m-rated gem has added a further five top-flight goals this season, while also boasting an outstanding defensive record to boot.

The former Slavia Prague man ranks fifth in the league for aerial duels won (125), while he’s also averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, showcasing his willingness to do the dirty work in front of the back four.

No slouch at the other end of the pitch, however, he also ranks in the top 9% among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area, proving himself a real weapon in the final third.

In a game of such great importance, Moyes needs a man who is not afraid to put his body on the line for the cause, but can also offer a real threat in attack when needed, particularly at set-pieces.

The former Everton boss simply must throw Soucek back into the fray; he could well terrify Frankfurt.

IN other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant